PIKACHU WON’T FACE LITTLER RAP
12/03/2024 By Phil Lanning
RICARDO Pietreczko will NOT face a disciplinary rap for confronting Luke Littler.
The German ace faced up to the teen sensation after the Warrington kid had beaten him in the semis of the Belgian Darts Open.
‘Pikachu’ was millimetres from clashing heads with Littler and then later said on Instagram: “So I really appreciated the fact that you can play a game like that at such an age. But I hope his arrogance punishes him.”
Littler responded on Facebook: “No idea what I did wrong, no idea what he said. He said something then don’t do it again.”
But it was later revealed that Pietreczko was fuming with Littler’s showbiz checkout of 147 by going treble 19, tops and bullseye finish. It’s known as the “Peter Manley” after the former Premier League star used to favour that outrageous finish.
Littler said on Oche180: “Didn’t like my attempt at tops bull on 147.”
The Professional Darts Corporation have confirmed that Pietreczko would not be referred to the Darts Regulation Authority despite his surprising on-stage behaviour towards the 17-year-old.
Top pundit Wayne Mardle said: “When some players lose, they act disrespectfully because they have lost…and that has to change. Respect your opponent.
“Professional darts is a stressful environment. It’s not for everyone.
“The world of darts has gone crazy for this kid because he’s a darting freak…AND I LOVE IT!”
It’s not the first time that Pietreczko has lost his cool in a major event.
The German reacted angrily to fans at the Grand Slam of Darts last November after losing to another British teenage star Beau Greaves in Wolverhampton.
Pietreczko lost 5-1 to Greaves after gesticulating to the fans and storming off stage.
Images by Taylor Lanning.
